Near-field with far-field to verify that device is connected or secured

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a method to check if a connector system with a Connector Position Assurance (“CPA”) member is in a closed position. The method includes providing an RFID-tag reader that is positioned at a distance D to the integrated circuit enabling far-field RFID communication and not permitting near-field RFID communication. Further, the method includes checking the readability of the integrated circuit with the RFID-tag reader and issuing an alert signal if the integrated circuit is not readable by the RFID-tag reader indicating that the CPA member is not in the closed position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of connectors andRFID communication and more particularly to the assurance of the properpositioning of mated connectors by using RFID communication.

BACKGROUND

Particularly in the automotive industry, there is a new standard calledCPA for Connector Position Assurance. A CPA is a locking mechanism thatin a closed position ensures that the connectors are properly mated andprevents the mated connectors from accidental un-mating. During theassembly process, it is necessary to check if the locking mechanism isin closed position. One known way to perform this check is to use a DataMatrix code laser engraved on the connector and hidden by the lockingmechanism in open position and only visible once the locking mechanismis in closed position. Another option to check if the locking mechanismis in closed position is visual inspection by the operator. Thesechecking processes require the visual accessibility either for the DataMatrix code scanner or the operator.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,623 B2 describes a connecting device having aconnector and a counterpart connector suitable to mate therewith, and atleast one RFID tag attached to one of said connectors and suitable tocommunicate with reader, said RFID tag including an antenna. The devicefurther includes a switch adapted to put the RFID tag either in a firstcommunication state or in a second communication state, depending on thefull or incomplete mating state of the connectors.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,711,903 B2 describes a connector system with a connectorthat includes an RFID circuit. Before the connector is mated with acorresponding connector the RFID circuit is tuned so that it does notfunction in a desired manner at a desired frequency. Once the connectoris mated the tuning of the RFID circuit is modified so that the RFIDcircuit functions in the desired manner at the desired frequency.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,448,231 B2 describes methods and apparatuses using RFIDdevices to assist in determining an open status of a container. Forexample, a first RFID tag is fixed to a first portion of the containerand a second RFID tag is fixed to a second portion of the container.Upon a user action to at least partially open the container, the firstand second portions will move relative to each other, such that one ormore of the RFID tags will no longer be readable by the RFID-tag readeror will now be readable by the reader. The reading or cessation ofreading of one or more RFID tags indicates at least one open status ofthe container. In some embodiments, the open status is at least one ofan unsealing confirmation, an open motion initiation status, an openmotion confirmation, a partial open status and a fully open status.

EP 2 153 496 A1 discloses a connector assembly comprising a firstconnector, a second connector and a mating detection device. The firstconnector comprises a first locking feature. The second connectorcomprises a second locking feature cooperating with the first lockingfeature. The mating detection device is adapted to take a firstelectrical state when the first and second connectors are in a lockedstate. The mating detection device is mechanically prevented from takingthe first state until the first and second locking features lock saidfirst and second connectors together.

The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to improving orovercoming one or more aspects of prior systems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method tocheck if a connector system is provided with a Connector PositionAssurance member (as used herein “a CPA member”) in closed position. Themethod may comprise the step of providing a first connector and a secondconnector configured to be mated with the first connector, wherein thefirst connector or the second connector is provided with a far-fieldantenna. Further the method may comprise the step of providing a CPAmember which includes an integrated circuit and a near-field antennawhich is electrically connected to the integrated circuit. The CPAmember might be configured to have an open position and a closedposition wherein in the closed position the CPA member may confirm aproper connection of the first connector and the second connector andmay prevent the first connector and the second connector from accidentalun-mating. Further the method may comprise the step of mating of thefirst connector and the second connector and the step of moving theconnection position assurance member to the closed position, wherein inthe closed position the near-field antenna is inductively coupled withthe far-field antenna such that communication with the integratedcircuit of the CPA member is now possible in the far field of RFIDcommunication. Further the method may comprise the step of providing anRFID-tag reader wherein the RFID-tag reader is positioned to theintegrated circuit at such a distance D that enables far-field RFIDcommunication and does not permit near-field RFID communication betweenthe RFID-tag reader and the integrated circuit. Further the method maycomprise the step of checking the readability of the integrated circuitwith the RFID-tag reader.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to aconnector system for the assurance of properly connected and securedconnectors. The connector system may comprise a first connector and asecond connector configured to be mated with the first connector,wherein the first connector or the second connector is provided with afar-field antenna. Further the connector system may comprise a CPAmember which includes an integrated circuit and a near-field antennawhich is electrically connected to the integrated circuit wherein theCPA member may be configured to have an open position and a closedposition wherein in the closed position the CPA member may confirmproper connection of the first connector and the second connector andmay prevent the first connector and the second connector from accidentalun-mating. In the closed position the near-field antenna may beinductively coupled with the far-field antenna such that communicationwith the integrated circuit 10 of the CPA member 9 is now possible inthe far field of RFID communication.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an RFIDtag. The RFID tag may comprise a first component provided with anintegrated circuit and a near-field antenna being electrically connectedto the integrated circuit, a second component provided with a far-fieldantenna and a pivoting mechanism configured to allow pivoting of thefirst component and the second component from an open position, in whichthe first and second component are separated to a closed position, inwhich the near-field antenna is inductively coupled with the far-fieldantenna and the integrated circuit becomes readable not only in the nearfield of RFID communication but also in the far field of RFIDcommunication.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from thefollowing description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment for a connector system accordingto the present disclosure with the first connector and second connectornot mated.

FIG. 2 illustrates the connector system as depicted in FIG. 1 with matedfirst and second connector and the CPA member in closed position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment for a connector system accordingto the present disclosure with the first connector partly inserted inthe second connector and the CPA element in preassembled position.

FIG. 4 illustrates the system as depicted in FIG. 3 with the firstconnector fully inserted in the second connector and the CPA member inclosed position.

FIG. 5 illustrates the principle of coupling a near-field antenna with afar-field antenna to change the reading distance for an integratedcircuit.

FIG. 6 illustrates a system for which the method to check if a connectorsystem is provided with a CPA member in closed position according to thepresent disclosure can be applied.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of an RFID tag according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates the embodiment of an RFID tag depicted in FIG. 7 in aclosed and in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The exemplary embodiments described herein areintended to teach the principles of the present disclosure, enablingthose of ordinary skill in the art to implement and use the presentdisclosure in many different environments and for many differentapplications. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments are not intended tobe, and should not be considered as, a limiting description of the scopeof protection. Rather, the scope of protection shall be defined by theappended claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment for a connector system accordingto the present disclosure. The connector system comprises a firstconnector 2, a second connector 4 and a CPA member 9. The secondconnector 4 is configured to be mated with the first connector 2. Thesecond connector 4 is provided with a far-field antenna 5. The CPAmember 9 includes a near-field antenna 3 and an integrated circuit 10.The near-field antenna 3 is electrically connected to the integratedcircuit 10, for example, in FIG. 1 , a chip with COB (coil on board).FIG. 1 shows the first connector 2 and the second connector 4 un-matedand the CPA member 9 in open position.

FIG. 2 illustrates the system as depicted in FIG. 1 with the firstconnector 2 fully inserted in the second connector 4 and the CPA member9 in closed position. The near-field antenna 3 is located within a loopof the far-field antenna 5. Therefore, the integrated circuit 10 now isreadable not only in the near field RFID communication but also in thefar field of RFID communication.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment for a connector system accordingto the present disclosure. The connector system comprises a firstconnector 2, a second connector 4 and a CPA member 9. The secondconnector 4 is configured to be mated with the first connector 2. Thesecond connector 4 is provided with a far-field antenna 5 (chip withCOB), both schematically shown in FIG. 3 . The CPA member 9 includes anintegrated circuit 10 and a near-field antenna 3 (schematically shown).The near-field antenna 3 is electrically connected to the integratedcircuit 10. Receiving means 7 are formed on the first connector 2 andreceiving means 8 are formed on the second connector 4 for receiving theCPA member 9. In the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the receiving means 7 isintegral part of the first connector 2 and the receiving means 8 isintegral part of the second connector 4. The CPA member 9 is movableconnected to the receiving means 7 on the first connector 2. The CPAmember 9 can be moved from a preassembled position to a closed position.FIG. 3 shows the first connector 2 partly inserted in the secondconnector 4 and the CPA member 9 in preassembled position. Thenear-field antenna 3 is not coupled with the far-field antenna 5 of thesecond connector 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates the system as depicted in FIG. 3 with the firstconnector 2 fully inserted in the second connector 4 and the CPA member9 in closed position. The near-field antenna 3 is coupled with thefar-field antenna 5 (shown schematically) of the second connector 4.Therefore, the integrated circuit 10 is now readable not only in thenear field of RFID communication but also in the far field of RFIDcommunication.

FIG. 5 illustrates the principle of coupling a near-field antenna 3 witha far-field antenna 5. The near-field antenna 3 is electricallyconnected to an integrated circuit 10. The near-field antenna 3 and theintegrated circuit 10 are provided on a CPA member 9. If the near-fieldantenna 3 is not positioned within the coupling loop 11 of the far-fieldantenna 5, the integrated circuit is readable in a short distance i.e.the near field of RFID communication. If however, the near-field antenna3 is positioned within the coupling loop 11 of the far-field antenna 5,the integrated circuit is readable in a long distance i.e. the far-fieldof RFID communication.

FIG. 6 illustrates a system for which the method to check if a connectorsystem is provided with a CPA member 9 in closed position according tothe present disclosure can be applied. The system comprises a firstconnector 2 and a second connector 4. The first connector 2 and secondconnector 4 are configured to be mated with each other. The secondconnector 4 is provided with a far-field antenna 5 (schematicallyshown). One step of the method according to the present disclosure maybe the mating of the first connector 2 and the second connector 4 alongthe dotted line L. The system shown in FIG. 6 further comprises a CPAmember 9 which is provided with an integrated circuit 10 and anelectrically connected near-field antenna 3, i.e. a chip with COB (coilon board). A further step of the method according to the presentdisclosure may be the moving of the CPA member 9 to its closed positionby inserting it into the receiving means 7 on the first connector 2 andinto the receiving means 8 on the second connector 4 along the dottedline L. In the closed position, the integrated circuit 10 with thenear-field antenna 3 is inductively coupled with the far-field antenna 5and is now readable not only in the near field of RFID communication butalso in the far field of RFID communication. Further in the closedposition, the CPA member 9 prevents the mated connectors from accidentalun-mating. If the CPA member 9 cannot be inserted into the assembledconnectors 2, 4, it is an indication that the connectors 2, 4 are notproperly engaged. As used herein, the term “properly mated” is intendedto mean that the connectors have been sufficiently mated to achievetheir intended purpose e.g. electrical connectors enable a current flowwhen properly connected. The system further comprises an RFID-tag reader6 and an output unit 11. The RFID-tag reader 6 is positioned to theintegrated circuit 10 at such a distance D that enables far-field RFIDcommunication and does not permit near-field RFID communication betweenthe RFID-tag reader and the integrated circuit 10. A further step of themethod according to the present disclosure may be the checking of thereadability of the integrated circuit 10 with the RFID-tag reader 6. Ifthe integrated circuit 10 is readable by the RFID-tag reader, thenear-field antenna is coupled with the far-field antenna i.e. the firstconnector 2 and second connector 4 are properly mated and securedagainst accidental un-mating. The present disclosure may comprise as afurther step the issuing of a signal at the output unit 12. The signalmay be a red light or some other method of alerting an operator thatintegrated circuit 10 is not readable with the RFID-tag reader. If theintegrated circuit 10 is readable with the RFID-tag reader 6, the signalmay be a green light or the like to inform the operator.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of an RFID tag according to the presentdisclosure. FIG. 7 shows a first component 2 and a second component 4 ofthe RFID tag. The first component 2 and the second component 4 are eachat one end connected to a pivoting mechanism 6 which permits pivoting ofthe first component 2 and the second component 4. The pivoting mechanism6 comprises a pin 9 which connects the first component 2 and the secondcomponent 4 and which is the rotational axis for the pivoting movementof the first and the second component 2, 4. The first component 2comprises an integrated circuit 10 which is electrically connected to anear-field antenna 3. The second component 4 comprises a far-fieldantenna 5. If the first component 2 and the second component 4 are in aclosed position, i.e. the first and second component 2, 4 are side byside, the near-field antenna 3 and the far-field antenna 5 are coupled.When near-field antenna 3 and the far-field antenna 5 are coupled, theintegrated circuit with near-field antenna 3 is not only readable in thenear field of RFID communication but also in the far-field RFIDcommunication.

FIG. 8 illustrates the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7 in a closed and inan open position. In the closed position the first and second component2, 4 are side by side and the integrated circuit with near-field antenna3 and the far-field antenna 5 are coupled. In the open position thefirst and second component 2, 4 are separated and the integrated circuitwith near-field antenna 3 is not coupled with the far-field antenna 5.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examplesof the disclosed systems and methods. However, it is contemplated thatother implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from theforegoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereofare intended to reference the particular example being discussed at thatpoint and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the generaldisclosure.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as ashorthand method for referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and eachseparate value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All method steps described herein can beperformed in any suitable order, unless otherwise indicated or clearlycontradicted by the context.

Although the preferred embodiments of this disclosure have beendescribed herein, improvements and modifications may be incorporatedwithout departing from the scope of the following claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is based at least in part on the realization thatthere is a need for a reliable solution to check if a connector systemis provided with a CPA member in closed position. In this respect, ithas been realized that it is advantageous if the requirement of visualview on the connectors for this checking process can be avoided. Theidea is to use a nearfield antenna which is electrically connected to anintegrated circuit on the CPA member and a far field antenna as abooster on the connector itself. For the near-field antenna withintegrated circuit you may use a UHF PCB coin, an UHF coil-on-chip orcoil-on-a-chip or on-chip-coil or anything comparable. Once theconnector is plugged, you need to put the CPA member in closed positionto couple the near-field antenna with the far-field antenna and by thisto increase the read range of the RFID system. If the CPA member is notin closed position (not locked), the reading distance will be reduced tothe near field antenna reading distance with very limited reading range.This principle could also be used to be sure that a plug (containingnear field antenna) is connected with an outlet (containing far-fieldantenna). Another use case is also used for tamper evidence tags. Forexample if you try to remove the tag from the object, the nearfieldantenna will be disconnected from the far field antenna and the tag losehis reading range. One advantage of the disclosure is that there is noneed of visual view of the connector to be sure it is locked.

According to a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the connectorsystem may allow a moving of the CPA member to the closed position onlyif the first connector and the second connector are properly mated.Further embodiments may be provided with receiving means on the firstconnector and on the second connector for receiving the CPA member. Thereceiving means might be integral part of the first connector and of thesecond connector. The connector system might be configured such that thedeliberate removal of the CPA member and un-mating of the firstconnector and the second connector can be easily performed withoutdestroying the CPA member, the first connector or the second connector.In exemplary embodiments the near-field antenna may be a UHF antennawith a read range of several millimetres and the far-field antenna maybe an UHF antenna with a read range of several meters.

With regard to the RFID tag of the disclosure, a preferred embodiment ofthe RFID tag may be provided with a locking mechanism including a firstlocking part located on one of the first and second component and asecond locking part located on the other of the first and secondcomponent. The locking mechanism preferably is configured to have anopen position and a closed position wherein in the closed position thefirst locking part is pressed into the second locking part and preventsthe first and second component from separating. The first and secondlocking parts may be integral parts of the first component and of thesecond component and the locking parts may be surrounding the firstrespectively second component. In exemplary embodiments the lockingmechanism may be configured such that it can be put in open status afterit has been closed without destroying the RFID tag. The pivotingmechanism may be realized with a pin which connects the first componentand the second component and which is the rotational axis for thepivoting movement of the first and the second component. In exemplaryembodiments the near-field antenna may be a UHF antenna with a readrange of several millimetres and the far-field antenna may be an UHFantenna with a read range of several meters.

With regard to the method of the present disclosure, the methodpreferably may comprise the step of issuing an alert signal if theintegrated circuit is not readable with the RFID-tag reader. Such analert signal indicates that the connector position assurance is not inthe closed position.

1. A method to check if a connector system is provided with a CPA memberin a closed position, the method comprising: providing a first connectorand a second connector configured to be mated with the first connector,wherein the first connector or the second connector is provided with afar-field antenna; providing a CPA member including an integratedcircuit and a near-field antenna electrically connected to theintegrated circuit, the CPA member being configured to have an openposition and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the CPAmember confirms a proper connection of the first connector and thesecond connector and prevents the first connector and the secondconnector from accidental un-mating; mating of the first connector andthe second connector; moving the CPA member to the closed position,wherein in the closed position of the CPA member the near-field antennais inductively coupled with the far-field antenna such thatcommunication with the integrated circuit of the CPA member is possiblein a far-field of RFID communication; providing an RFID-tag readerwherein the RFID-tag reader is positioned to the integrated circuit atsuch a distance that enables far-field RFID communication and does notpermit near-field RFID communication between the RFID-tag reader and theintegrated circuit; and checking the readability of the integratedcircuit with the RFID-tag reader.
 2. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising issuing an alert signal if the integrated circuit is notreadable with the RFID-tag reader indicating that the CPA member is notin the closed position.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein moving the CPAmember to the closed position is only possible if the first connectorand the second connector are properly mated.
 4. A connector system forthe assurance of properly mated and secured connectors comprising: afirst connector and a second connector configured to be mated with thefirst connector, wherein the first connector or the second connector isprovided with a far-field antenna; and a CPA member including anintegrated circuit and a near-field antenna electrically connected tothe integrated circuit the CPA member being configured to have an openposition and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the CPAmember confirms a proper connection of the first connector and thesecond connector and prevents the first connector and the secondconnector from accidental un-mating; wherein in the closed position ofthe CPA member the near-field antenna is inductively coupled with thefar-field antenna such that communication with the integrated circuit ofthe CPA member is possible in a far-field of RFID communication.
 5. Theconnector system of claim 4 wherein the first connector, the secondconnector and the CPA member are configured to allow a moving of the CPAmember to the closed position only if the first connector and the secondconnector are properly mated.
 6. The connector system of claim 4wherein, for receiving the CPA member, the first connector is providedwith a receiving means and the second connector is provided with areceiving means.
 7. The connector system of claim 6 wherein the CPAmember is movably connected to the receiving means of the firstconnector or the receiving means of the second connector and the CPAmember can be moved from a preassembled position to the closed position.8. The connector system of claim 4 wherein the near-field antenna andthe far-field antenna have different read ranges.
 9. The connectorsystem of claim 4 wherein the connector system is configured such that adeliberate removal of the CPA member and un-mating of the firstconnector and the second connector can be performed without destroyingthe CPA member, the first connector or the second connector.
 10. An RFIDtag comprising: a first component provided with an integrated circuitand a near-field antenna being electrically connected to the integratedcircuit; a second component provided with a far-field antenna; and apivoting mechanism configured to allow pivoting of the first componentand the second component from an open position, in which the first andsecond components are separated, to a closed position, in which theintegrated circuit with near-field antenna is inductively coupled withthe far-field antenna such that the integrated circuit is readable notonly in a near-field of RFID communication but also in a far-field ofRFID communication.
 11. The RFID tag of claim 10 further comprising alocking mechanism including a first locking part located on one of thefirst and second components and a second locking part located on theother of the first and second components.
 12. The RFID tag of claim 11wherein the locking mechanism is configured to have an open position anda closed position wherein in the closed position of the lockingmechanism the first locking part is pressed into the second locking partand prevents the first and second components from separating.
 13. TheRFID tag of claim 12 wherein the first and second locking parts areintegral parts of the first and second components, respectively.
 14. TheRFID tag of claim 10 wherein the pivoting mechanism comprises a pinwhich connects the first component and the second component and which isa rotational axis for the pivoting of the first and the secondcomponents.
 15. The RFID tag of claim 10 wherein the near-field antennaand the far-field antenna have different read ranges.
 16. The RFID tagof claim 12 wherein the locking mechanism can be put in the openposition after it has been in the closed position without destroying theRFID tag.
 17. The connector system of claim 8 wherein the near-fieldantenna is a UHF antenna with a read range of several millimeters andthe far-field antenna is a UHF antenna with a read range of severalmeters.
 18. The RFID tag of claim 13 wherein the first and secondlocking parts surround the first and second components, respectively.19. The RFID tag of claim 15 wherein the near-field antenna is a UHFantenna with a read range of several millimeters and the far-fieldantenna is a UHF antenna with a read range of several meters.